Madrid's Hidden Gem: NH Collection Colón - Unforgettable Stay!
Madrid's Hidden Gem: NH Collection Colón - Unforgettable (and Mostly Unforgettable) Stay! - A Review That's Actually Real
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the Tinto de Verano) on the NH Collection Colón in Madrid. Forget those pristine, cookie-cutter reviews – this is the real dirt, the good, the slightly questionable, and everything in between. And believe me, there's a LOT in between.
First Impressions: Chic, But a Tad…Impersonal?
The location? Spot on. Right on the edge of bustling Salamanca, a stone's throw from the Gran Vía action, but also tucked away on a surprisingly quiet side street. Accessibility? They’ve got it covered, which is a massive win. Elevators, easy access to common areas, and (thankfully) no crazy stairs to navigate with luggage. A solid start. The lobby? Gleaming marble, sleek lines, and a definite "modern luxury" vibe. But, and it’s a big BUT, there’s a certain… coldness to it all. You know that feeling? Like you’ve walked into a beautifully designed museum, not a welcoming home.
Rooms: Luxury, Then a Sprinkle of Reality
Okay, the rooms. We opted for a “superior” room (because, you know, we’re fancy like that). Air Conditioning? Absolutely. Free Wi-Fi? Yay! Internet Access - LAN? Who even uses that anymore?! Seriously though, it was there along with Daily Housekeeping, a fluffy Bathrobe, and Slippers. Bless. The bed? Seriously comfortable. High-quality Linens? You betcha. The Blackout Curtains were a godsend for beating the Madrid sun.
Now, for the "reality" part… The in-room safe? Took me a solid 10 minutes and two YouTube tutorials to figure out. (User error? Maybe. But a clearer instruction manual wouldn't hurt!). Then there was the mini-bar. Mini Bar? More like “mini-overpriced-snacks-and-a-couple-of-water-bottles”. Don't expect miracles. And, surprisingly, there was a noticeable lack of a Socket near the bed. In fact, one of the only major complaints. What is this, 1998? My phone barely made it through half the day, and I was relegated to charging it in the bathroom!
Food, Glorious Food (and Some That Wasn't)
Let's talk about the food! This is where things get interesting.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [Buffet] was… vast. A truly impressive spread. Asian Breakfast options were available, which was a nice touch. I mean everything from coffee shop to International Cuisine in the restaurant. I gorged on the Buffet in the restaurant, pastries, and jamón ibérico. There was also an option to take the Breakfast takeaway service, but why would I skip the buffet? There were also breakfast Vegetarian restaurant, but I am sure there were more options. However, the coffee? Lukewarm. A serious breakfast tragedy, I tell you! And, the biggest shock? I was not able to have a Breakfast in room , I assume they were to many people.
- Dinner & Drinks: The a la carte in restaurant was decent. The food was good, honestly. But the ambiance felt…a little stuffy! I will say the Bar was much more lively, and the Poolside bar was the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset (did I mention there was a Pool with a view? Gorgeous!). I will be honest, I probably would have not notice the desserts in restaurant, if it was not the waiter talking about a Happy hour. The Bottle of water was very cool and well designed.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. A cheese and meat plate – perfect. The pizza, however, was… Let's just say, it wasn't from Naples. I would have loved to try the Soup in restaurant.
Ways to Relax (and a Few Near-Disasters)
Here’s the really good stuff. The NH Collection Colón boasts a Body scrub, Body wrap, a full Spa, and a gorgeous Swimming pool [outdoor]. I'm a sucker for a good steam, and the Steamroom hit the spot. They had a Sauna, and Foot bath, to treat yourself to. Massage ? Book it! The staff who worked at the Spa/sauna areas were pretty good, and if you are lucky you can get a Pool with view
Then there's the Fitness center. I thought, "Great! I’ll hit the Gym/fitness room, work off all that jamón!” Wrong. It was tiny, stuffy, and the treadmill looked like it hadn't been updated since the Macarena was a chart-topper. I gave up after five minutes, defeated.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Invisible Hand Sanitizer
This is where the NH Collection Colón truly shines. In this day and age, you have to be extra cautious. I was really impressed with their commitment. I could have used the Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and a Staff trained in safety protocol. There was Hand sanitizer everywhere, a First aid kit, and a Doctor/nurse on call. It was reassuring. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. If you are really worried, there is a Room sanitization opt-out available.
The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little Things)
- Services and Conveniences: They had pretty much everything. Concierge? Always helpful and knowledgeable. Luggage storage? Essential. Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Check and check. Cash withdrawal? Yup. Currency exchange? Yep. Elevator? Of course, for accessibility as well.
- For the kids? There were Family/child friendly rooms with Kids meal. They even have Babysitting service.
- Getting Around: They have a Car park [on-site], and a Taxi service. And if you are feeling cool, you can ask for Bicycle parking.
- Internet: Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, Wi-Fi in public areas, FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! Fantastic!
The Quirks and Imperfections
No hotel is perfect, and the NH Collection Colón certainly has its quirks:
- The lighting: Some of the rooms felt a bit dim, which did not help me since I forgot my glasses.
- The staff: 99% were polite, but there was the occasional blip. Had one slightly grumpy waitress at breakfast. Not the end of the world, but noticeable.
- The occasional "miss" in housekeeping: One day, they forgot to replace the shampoo. Minor annoyance, but it happens.
- Pets allowed unavailable: I wish I could bring my puppy, but alas.
Overall: Worth the Stay? Absolutely.
The NH Collection Colón is a solid choice. It’s a well-located, stylish hotel with excellent access, good amenities, and a strong commitment to safety. Yes, there are minor imperfections. The occasional luke-warm coffee. A few design choices that feel more "hotel" than "home". But the pros (location, spa, pool, friendly staff, clean rooms) far outweigh the cons.
My Unsolicited Advice & What You Should Do to Book
If I were to book a room, I would look out for the additional toilet.
The Offer You Can't Refuse:
Tired of the same old hotel experience? Crave a Madrid escape that blends luxury with a touch of real-life charm? Then book your stay at the NH Collection Colón!
Here's what you'll get:
- Prime location: Explore the heart of Madrid, steps from the action and culture.
- Spa indulgence: Unwind at our luxurious spa with a Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage.
- Pristine safety: Relax with top-notch hygiene protocols and a staff dedicated to your well-being.
- Free, blazing-fast Wi-Fi in every room and amazing views from the pool!
- And so much more!
Don't settle for a bland hotel. Book your unforgettable Madrid adventure at the NH Collection Colón today! Warning: you might not want to leave.
TANIMACHI-9CHOME 6A Osaka: Japan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Alright, buckle up buttercups 'cause this ain't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is… me in Madrid. Full stop.
NH Collection Madrid Colón - MADRID, SPAIN: The Messy Chronicle
(AKA: How I, a Glitchy Human, Survived a Week in the Spanish Sun)
Day 1: Arrival!…and Immediate Panic
8:00 AM (ish) Landed in Madrid. Everything's a glorious blur of sunshine and… well, Spanish. That's already a bit challenging, considering my Spanish is basically "Hola, cerveza, gracias." My phone? Dead. Of course. Lost the charging cable immediately in my bag. This is going well.
9:30 AM: Found a very, very confused cab driver. He seemed to understand "NH Colón," but not the exact street. My Spanish was useless. We drove in circles. I felt a bead of sweat.
10:15 AM: Finally arrived at the hotel. The doorman was gorgeous. Like, I think I stammered my check-in. The interior? Stunning. High ceilings, art everywhere. Suddenly, the lost charger didn’t seem so bad. This hotel is a vibe.
11:00 AM: Room. YES! Now, to find food. "Room Service" is a beautiful concept I've never experienced. Ordered – you guessed it – a cerveza and a ham and cheese sandwich. Ate it in my underwear while staring out the window. Jet lag is a bitch.
1:00 PM: Attempted my first foray into actual Madrid life. Got completely lost within five minutes. Ended up in some random park, sweating profusely. Sat on a bench. Watched pigeons. Contemplated my life choices.
3:00 PM: Found a churro stand. Ate three. Churros: the official food of existential crises, apparently.
6:00 PM: Collapsed back at the hotel. Nap. The best nap ever.
8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Gazpacho. Delicious! Then, a minor catastrophe: I spilled red wine all over myself. Mortification level: a solid 8. The waiter, bless his heart, just chuckled and brought a stain remover. Recovery? Minimal. I had a red-wine-stained shirt for half the trip.
Day 2: Prado Museum – And Emotional Overload
9:00 AM: Breakfast in the hotel. They have amazing croissants. Ate two. Possibly three.
10:00 AM: The Prado Museum. Okay, guys. Prepare yourself. The Prado. It's… overwhelming. So much art! I was so disoriented on the scale… I felt so small and insignifcant, in the presence of greatness.
11:00 AM: Goya. Specifically, Saturn Devouring His Son. Holy crap. Honestly, I almost cried. The raw emotion, the darkness… it just ripped through me. I wandered around for like half an hour, just staring. I can't even really describe it. Art CAN do something like that to you.
1:00 PM: Lost. Again. But this time, in the museum itself. Ended up wandering around, confused and disoriented, looking at some of the art again.
2:00 PM: Grabbed a bocadillo from a café. That was a pretty good experience
3.00 PM: Found myself really wanting to see more Goya art! So I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the art museum looking at all his stuff. I can definitely say, as I left that museum, that Goya is officially my fave art person!
6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Needed a rest.
8:00 PM: Tried to find a tapas bar. Got overwhelmed by the crowds. Ended up at a pizza place. Sometimes, you just need pizza.
Day 3: Retiro Park – And My Existential Crisis Continues
9:30 AM: Hotel breakfast. Croissants. The cure to all ills.
10:30 AM: Retiro Park. Beautiful. Finally, a moment of peace. Rented a rowboat. The lake! The sun! The… near disaster of almost capsizing the boat. (My fault, I’ll admit it.)
12:00 PM: Found the Crystal Palace. Stunning! Sat there, watching the light filter through the glass. Thought about life. Thought about death. Decided the pigeons were all right.
1:00 PM: Picnic fail. Bought a baguette, some cheese, and some olives. Got swarmed by pigeons. Ate most of the baguette while being dive-bombed. The pigeons won.
2:00 PM: The best part of the day so far: I learned that there was a hidden garden, and I found it! Seriously, magical. A real hidden gem.
4:00 PM: Flamenco show. Okay, this. This was something else. The passion! The music! The dancing! I didn't understand a word, but I felt it. Amazing.
6:00 PM: Found a place to get some sangria! A perfect end to a perfect day!
8:00 PM: Walked back to the hotel, slightly tipsy and still humming one of the Flamenco songs.
Day 4: Day trip to Toledo – History, Hills, and Humility
8:00 AM: Early start to Toledo. Bus ride was bumpy. Felt a bit queasy.
9.30 AM: Arrived in Toledo. Wow. Simply wow. The architecture! The history! The sheer uphill climb… My calves are killing me.
10:00 AM: Visited the Cathedral. Jaw-dropping. Seriously. I stared at the stained glass. The detail! The majesty! Got slightly choked up again. Apparently, I’m a crybaby on this trip.
12:00 PM: Wandered through the Jewish Quarter. Got lost (surprise!). Enjoyed the narrow streets. Found a tiny shop selling marzipan. Bought way too much.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny restaurant. Ate cochinillo (roast suckling pig). Delicious, but also slightly unsettling. (It's a baby pig, you know.)
3:00 PM: Panoramic view from a hill. Breathtaking. Suddenly felt like I could conquer the world. Followed by the realization that I was actually just very tired.
4:00 PM: Back on the bus. Exhausted. Slightly sunburned. Mentally filing Toledo under "Absolutely Worth It."
7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Fell asleep instantly.
Day 5: Food, More Food, and (Almost) a Catastrophe
9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast. Croissants. Repeat: the cure to all ills.
10:00 AM: Food market! San Miguel Market. Okay. I’m going to be honest. My mission on Day 5 was to experience as much food as possible. I ate everything. Tapas. Seafood. Churros (again). Tapas (again). Cheese. Wine. My stomach started to hurt. I regretted nothing.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a restaurant in the historic center. It was delicious.
3:00 PM: Afternoon walk through the Retiro Park again. Walked by the lake. Enjoyed the sun.
5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Another quick nap.
6:00 PM: Drinks with new friends! This was so much fun. I've never met new people on an adventure like this!
8:00 PM: Disaster almost struck. Tried to cook something in the hotel room with a hot plate. Smoke alarm! Panic! Failed culinary attempt. Fortunately, the hotel staff was understanding.
9:00 PM: Ended up ordering pizza for a second night. Comfort food is the best.
Day 6: Shopping and Goodbyes (and More Goodbyes)
9:00 AM: Breakfast, you know the drill. Croissants.
10:00 AM: Shopping. Madrid has amazing shops! I’m not a huge shopper, but the little boutiques were irresistible. Bought a scarf. Lost the scarf. Briefly panicked. Found the scarf. Sigh of relief.
12:00 PM: Last stroll around the city. Attempted to revisit a favorite spot. Got lost (again!).
1:00 PM: Lunch! Last tapas before I left. Feeling emotional.
3:00 PM: Packing. Dread. The worst thing about any vacation.
4:00 PM: One last rooftop drink at the hotel. Amazing view. Madrid, you were beautiful.
Is the NH Collection Colón really a "hidden gem" or just another fancy hotel?
Okay, so "hidden gem" is a loaded term, right? Marketing fluff usually. But honestly? The Colón feels… different. It's *trying* to be fancy, with the whole antique-y vibe and the fancy lobby. And yeah, the price tag reflects that ambition. But... there's a certain something. It's not just a sterile, cookie-cutter experience. Like, I got utterly lost trying to find my room the first time, which is a definite *not* a "hidden gem" perk, but I bumped into this elderly cleaning lady who, bless her heart, spoke only rapid-fire Spanish. I fumbled around with Google Translate for a good five minutes, and she *still* helped me find my room after just laughing the entire time. So, yes, it's fancy. Yes, it can feel a bit intimidating if you're anything like me and a bit clumsy. But, it's also charmingly human. That counts for a heck of a lot, right?
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient?
Convenient? Oh, absolutely. The Colón is smack-dab in the middle of everything. Literally. You're talking a hop, skip, and a slightly panicked dash across a busy street (Madrid traffic, people!) to get to the Gran Vía. So, shopping central? Check. Theatre district? Check. Taps and restaurants? Check, check, check! It's a great jumping-off point. I mean, you're basically *surrounded* by deliciousness and entertainment. The downside? It's *loud*. Even with the double-paned windows, you'll hear the city... sigh… the city humming around you all night. Think of it as a constant reminder you *are* in the middle of something amazing. Plus, the metro is a lifesaver. Don't try to walk everywhere – your feet will revolt. I know mine did.
Are the rooms nice? Like, actually nice, or just Instagram-nice?
Okay, the rooms… they're… *good*. Not necessarily "Instagram-perfect" (though, let's be honest, you could totally get some killer shots in there). My room was spacious, with a comfy bed that almost swallowed me whole (in the best way possible, after a long day of tapas hopping... and then maybe a gelato or two... and a churro... I digress). The bathroom? Big! Which is a major win. The decor is a bit… traditional. Not my usual vibe, but clean and tidy. The thing is, you don't spend your waking hours *in* the room, do you? You're out, exploring, eating, drinking. So, a good, comfy, clean base of operations is all you really need. And the Colón delivers. Plus, the view from the upper floors! Gawk-worthy. Honestly, I could've happily sat there and watched the city for days. (And probably *should* have, instead of trying to navigate the Spanish public bus system... another story for another time.)
The food! Tell me about the breakfast. Is it worth the extra euros?
Breakfast at the Colón... here's where things get a little… complicated. Okay, it's *good*. It's a buffet, a delicious, over-the-top buffet. Seriously, all the usual suspects: fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked every-which-way, cured meats, cheeses… Oh, glorious cheese! And plenty of coffee. But is it worth the price? Uhhh... that depends on your definition of "worth." I'm a big breakfast person. I like to start the day *right*. And hey, I'm on vacation! Splurge, right? Sometimes, yes. But... I have *also* wandered down the street for a cafe con leche and a croissant for a euro and a half. And been equally happy. My advice? Look at the price. Ask yourself how much *you* value a massive buffet. Be honest. If you're a big eater and love variety? Go for it. If you're happy with a simpler, cheaper breakfast? Explore the neighbourhood. Honestly, the best Spanish breakfast I had wasn't at the hotel - it was at a tiny hole-in-the-wall place filled with locals and chattering about the football game. *That's* authenticity you can't buy. And the churros? Heavenly.
Is the staff helpful? Or are they all, you know, super snooty?
The staff... okay, this is a big one. I'm not one for snooty. And thankfully, the staff at the Colón… weren't. They were genuinely helpful. Not overly friendly (this *is* Spain, after all, and they're busy!) but efficient and willing to answer your questions (even the dumb ones, like "How do I get to the Prado Museum without accidentally ending up in Toledo?" - I may have asked that). They spoke English (a huge relief!), and were always there to assist, without that feeling that they were *waiting* for you to leave a tip. I particularly remember one of the concierge, bless his heart, who saved my bacon (literally, I had a terrible breakfast one morning, which I'll spare you the details) by recommending a fantastic tapas bar a few blocks away. He was right, by the way. Best tapas of my life. And he clearly knew his stuff. So, yeah, the staff were a definite plus, but not in a forced way. More a quietly efficient kindness, which I much prefer.
Is this hotel good for families? Or is it more of a couples/solo traveler kind of place?
Hmm, good question. I'd say it's *mostly* suited for couples or solo travelers, honestly. I saw a few families, but it wasn't exactly kid-central. The vibe is a little more… sophisticated, you know? It's not the type of place where you’d expect a whole lot of screaming children in the lobby. It’s not exactly the most child-friendly hotel I've ever seen. No dedicated kids' activities or anything like that. But it’s definitely possible. They will offer you a family room in the case, of course (which can be even bigger than my single room...). If you have older kids who appreciate a nice, central location and a bit of elegance, then it could certainly work. But if you have small, super-hyper children? Maybe look elsewhere. (And good luck finding a place that *is* perfectly kid-friendly. I’m sure you'll need it.)
Okay, I'm sold. But is there anything *bad* about the NH Collection Colón? Give me the ugly truth!
Alright, alright. The bad stuff. There are a few things. First is the noise, I already mentioned it, but seriously, *it's loud*. Particularly if your room faces the street. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Don't say you weren't warned. Second, the price. It's not cheap. You pay for the location and the perceived luxury. Is it worth it? Depends on your budget. Then there's the occasional… *slight* feeling of pretentiousness. Not the staff, mind you – they're fine. More the overall atmosphere. That's not bad, per say... it’s just... presentScenic Stays
